Take care of yourself
Exercise, get outside, eat healthy. These seem self-evident but when we’re caught in a spiral of stress, anxiety, or depression, it’s important to be reminded of the basics. Only you can do these things for yourself. If you’re unhappy, stop what you’re doing and do one of those things.
Do the things that make you happy
This is your life, maybe your only life. You have the absolute right to do something every day that brings you some happiness even it is simply sitting quietly for 15 minutes. Many of us get caught up in our responsibilities toward work and family, but we can’t show up fully for others if we’re not showing up fully for ourselves. That sometimes means saying ‘no’ to someone—not necessarily a hard ‘no’ but maybe a ‘not right now’ kind of ‘no.’
Take care of your responsibilities to yourself and your loved ones
Life comes with chores, don’t try to escape them. Shower, wash your clothes, brush your teeth, take care of your things. Some of us are sloppier than others and that’s okay, but don’t indulge in being lazy. The things you know you need to take care of will cause you anxiety if you keep justifying avoidance. And sometimes when you live with others you need to respect their standards and find agreement in how you’ll maintain shared spaces. That takes communication and understanding, not just one time, but over the course of your relationship.
Ask for help when you need it
Not asking for help is a form of arrogance. We all need help at one time or another. Only the truly selfish are inclined to refuse giving help when asked. Asking for help will bring you closer to people. You are 99.9% like the next person in chemical makeup, everything else is discrimination.
Be grateful
In the vast universe, you were given a human life that allows you to see, hear, smell, taste, and consider all of existence. There is suffering certainly but life is truly wondrous. We can easily lose sight of our blessings and it’s worth taking stock of them at some point every day. Showing your gratitude towards others is a great way to lift yourself out of a funk.
Don’t cast blame
Shit happens. People do stupid things. Usually they don’t really mean harm. Try to accept the present reality and consider your response to it with compassion. Yes, there are bad actors who deserve to be punished, but is your blaming them for your own suffering going to change anything? Move on.